Page 319

JOHN MCGINNIS, M.D., a fine representative of the noble veterans of the late war, has a well earned reputation as a skillful, safe, and careful practitioner, and is one of the best known physicians in the county. He is practicing his profession in Dawson and is a very busy man, for in addition to keeping well abreast of modern thought in the medical wold, he has for a long time been engaged with signal success as a farmer and fine stock-raiser, and on his well-improved farms of three hundred and sixty acres he raises horses, cattle and hogs, of high standard grades.

Our subject is a native of New England, born in the State of Connecticut near the city of Hartford in 1843. He is a son of Thomas and Mary (Cunningham) McGinnis, who came from Ireland to America in 1825. They remained in Connecticut till 1857, and then came to Sangamon County, where the mother died in 1873. The father is still a resident here.

Our subject was the fourth child in order of birth in a family of seven children. He was reared on a farm and laid the foundation of his education in the common schools. He was still a youth when the war broke out, and he watched its course with patriotic ardor, and as soon as able enlisted to serve his country, being mustered into Company B, One Hundred and Thirtieth Illinois Infantry, October 25, 1862. He went with his regiment to Memphis, Tenn., and during the winter of 1862-63 was stationed at Ft. Pickering, near that city, and did provost duty. On the 27th of March he and his fellow-soldiers embarked on a steamer for Milliken's Bend, La., and when the great Vicksburg campaign was organized they marched with the regiment and were in the fight at Port Gibson. They took part in the battle of Champion Hills on the 16th of May, 1863, and on the following day again met the enemy at Black River. They subsequently camped within three miles of Vicksburg and on the night of May 18, were on picket duty when the enemy burned all the buildings outside their defenses and then retired. For forty-eight days our subject was one of those whose unceasing vigilance and bravery kept the Confederate army in the city of Vicksburg till its surrender on the Fourth of July.

After the fall of Vicksburg, Dr. McGinnis and his comrades went to Jackson, Miss., and were active participants in the ten days' siege of that place. After its capture they returned to the banks of the Mississippi, whence they went in a short time to the gulf department. During the winter of 1863-64, the regiment was stationed at various times at New Iberia, Decrow's Point, Berwick Bay and other places in Louisiana. In February 1864, the One Hundred and thirtieth Illinois started on the Red River expedition with Gen. Banks' command and took part in the fierce battle fought at Mansfield, where our subject was captured by the enemy. He was taken to Tyler, Tex., where he was kept as prisoner of war for fourteen long and weary months, experiencing all the horrors of life in a rebel prison. He was severely attacked by scurvy, which almost disabled him, and he suffered many other hardships. He was honorably discharged on August 31, 1865, having won a fine military record for bravery and efficiency. He was one of our most loyal soldiers and previous to his capture had never missed duty and was never in the hospital. At one time he was one of twelve who were the only members of his company ready for duty.

As soon as the Doctor returned to civil life he commenced to study medicine under the tutelage of Dr. Winn, of Williamsville. On finishing his preliminary studies under the guidance of that excellent physician, he entered Rush Medical College at Chicago from which he was graduated in 1870, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He immediately opened an office at Dawson, his present abode, and at once stepped into a lucrative practice which he has carried on successfully, till at the close of twenty years he has won a position of eminence among his medical brethren in this county. Besides attending to the duties of his profession he superintends his extensive farming interests. He has acquired quite a reputation as a stockman. He takes especial pride in his horses, is an expert horseman and he acknowledges no superior as a driver of high mettled horses. vDr. McGinnis and Miss Mary L. Broad were married in 1873. Mrs. McGinnis is a native of Milton, Ky. She is a woman of fine character, possesses ready tact and is a charming hostess. The children born to her and our subject are Thomas, who died in infancy; Mary O., Cora May and Lulu Rose. These daughters are all at home and add greatly to the attractions of their father's hospitable abode.

The Doctor is a prominent Mason, a member of Lodge No. 556, Dawson, Ill. Politically he is a firm Democrat. He is a strong advocate of good schools and during a long career as a Director has stood for the best instructors that could be obtained and it is greatly due to his influence that the Dawson schools stand in the front rank. The Doctor was for many years County Physician. He is a genial, whole-souled, hospitable gentleman, whose life is guided by the highest principles of honor.